Otto Frederick Cottman, 68, of Princess Anne, Maryland departed this life Sunday, December 6, 2015 at his residence. Born January 29, 1947, he was the son of the late Irvin Grant and Maggie Ballard-Cottman.

Otto attended the Somerset County Public Schools. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army where he completed three years of service. After his discharge, he lived in Princess Anne for a short time before moving to Chester, Pennsylvania. While living in Chester he worked at the Philadelphia airport for a number of years. When he returned to Princess Anne, he worked as a security officer and as an assistant for the Anthony E. Ward Funeral Home.

At an early age, he became a member of his family church; the old Mount Carmel Baptist Church which was under the leadership of Reverend Ervine Hargis. He was also a member of the VFW Post #9505.

Otto, lovingly known as “Toe” or “Tisso” to his family and friends, enjoyed traveling and loved to drive. He never turned down an opportunity to transport anyone, no matter how near or far the destination. He also loved to play a variety of card games. His favorite saying was “What’s Happening.”

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lorraine Cottman, a brother, Robert Cottman and a nephew, David Cottman.

On Sunday, December 6, 2015, Otto F. Cottman shed his earthly clothing and took his final resting place. He is survived by his wife Rosann Cottman; two sons, Frederick and Larion Cottman of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Denise Cottman of Delaware and Romona Cottman of Pennsylvania; one sister; Lois Douglas of Salisbury; two adopted sisters, Betty Hall and Carolyn Cottingham of Princess Anne; twelve grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, December 19, 2015 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Princess Anne, with a viewing one hour prior. A public viewing will also be held 2:00 – 6:00 PM Friday at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be held 1:00 PM Monday, December 21, 2015 at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Hurlock, MD.

Lovan Mae Smith, 82, departed this life on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Aurora Senior of Manokin in Princess Anne, Maryland. She was born on May 8, 1933, in Somerset County. She was the beloved daughter of the late John Cottman, Sr. and Betty Waters-Square of Princess Anne, MD.

She received her education in the Somerset County Public School System. At an early age she began her Christian walk with the Lord. She loved singing in the choir and praising God.

She married James Smith and to this union four children were born. She retired from Campbell Soup Company in Salisbury, Maryland.

“Mom Von,” as she was affectionately called by everyone that knew her, was loved by many. She made you feel welcome and her children and grandchildren’s friends looked up to her as mom or grand mom.

She was an active member of the Metropolitan Gospel Choir until her health failed singing her songs. Her favorite hymn “Oh I want to see HIM.” She was a lifetime member of the Walter Polk Post #132 Ladies Auxiliary. Always a joke or some form of laughter would be shared with her loved ones.

She leaves to cherish her memory: two sons, James Smith, Jr. and Tony Smith, Sr. of Princess Anne, Maryland; two daughters, Ola Milligan of Princess Anne and Michelle Hunter of Baltimore, Maryland; twelve grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; one sister, Blanche Jones of Princess Anne, Maryland; one brother-in-law and two sisters-in law, Arthur Smith (Luetta) of Salisbury and Frances Smith of Salisbury. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Sr., her grandson, Michael Dennis, Jr., six sisters, seven brothers and a host of other relatives.

A funeral service will be held 1pm Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Princess Anne with a viewing one hour prior. A viewing will also be held 6 to 8 pm Friday at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be in John Wesley (Bowland Hill) Cemetery in Princess Anne.

Ernest Stanford Kersey, Jr., 56, of Frederick, Maryland, formerly of Kingston, Maryland, departed this life Thursday, December 3, 2015 at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Born January 19, 1959, he was the son of Ernest and Thelma Kersey.

In addition to his parents, he leaves to cherish his memory with four brothers: Kaven, Nathan, Raymond and Eric Kersey; five sisters, Lydia Peterson, Tinna, Carol, Jennifer and Margaret “Lanell” Kersey; two uncles, Raymond Kersey (Irene) and Leroy Ballard (Leola); Three aunts, Victoria Hawkins (Earlie), Bessie Dickerson (Bill) and Delores James (Lionel); several nephews, nieces, other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Nicole Kersey.

A memorial service will be held 12 noon Saturday, December 12, 2015 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be private.

Preston Thomas Cottman, age 87, born August 11, 1928 to the late Willis Cottman, Sr. and Annie Cottman departed this earthly life on Monday, November 30, 2015. Preston, the second of 14 children was educated in the Somerset County Public School System. He met Dolores “Wragg” and went on to marry her in 1949. Through this union 7 children were born.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church. Prior to his failing health, he helped maintain the grounds at the church and was very active in ensuring the upkeep of the church.

Preston worked as a Heavy Equipment Operator for the James Julian Construction Company and later for George & Lynch Construction Company until his retirement in 1993. Prior to his work in construction he was a tenant farmer for the late George Alder for 12 years. Preston was an awesome gardener and was known to feed the community along with his family. He was an animal lover and anyone that knew him knows that all his animals had names and how much he loved Critter. And how can one forget Lightning. When Preston was not working, he shared his passion for raising hunting dogs and hunting with his brothers, long-time friends and his oldest nephew “Bunny” Lloyd Harmon.

Preston was a quiet and honest man known to have a big heart. He was well known in the community and loved gathering with family and friends. He was an excellent provider and many times in addition to taking care of his own family he helped many others. He was strict with his children (especially the girls) instilling in them good morals and values to carry them throughout life. He loved his grand and great grand kids unconditionally and could often be heard imparting life lessons to them. Each one of them held a special place in his heart.

Preston was preceded in death by four brothers, Robert, Willis, Jr., Alexander, Randolph, and one sister, Lennie.

Preston was known for many Preston’isms. The most famous of those (let us all say together one more time) Yee! That Did It”, “One Day at a Time” (his favorite hymn).

A funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday, December 6, 2015 at St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church in Princess Anne. A viewing will be held 6-8 PM Saturday at Anthony E. Ward Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne.

Dennis Wellington Brady, Sr. 87, departed this life on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at Coastal Hospice at The Lake in Salisbury, Maryland. Born in Philadelphia on October 10, 1928, he was the son of the late Dan Brady and Arneta “Mom Tedie” Stevenson Brady. Brady, as he was affectionately known by family and friends was reared in Somerset County, by his grandparents, Elijah and Marietta Stevenson.

He enlisted in the United States Army serving our country. Brady was employed at the former Campbell soup Company in Salisbury as a receiving clerk, he later retired after 30 years of service. He then became employed with the Somerset County MAC Senior Center in Princess Anne, Maryland with 21 years of service. Brady along with his family began their Christian training at Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in Princess Anne. He served in many capacities, including church musician. In 1954, four young men, whom all were members of MT. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church formed a quartet group called The Zionaires.

Brady was a member of The American Legion Walter Polk Post #132 and Veterans of Foreign War Post #9505. He enjoyed going to different famous sing group anniversaries, sleeping and having coffee with the guys at Royal Farms.

He leaves to cherish fond memories with his wife of 62 years, Bernice Brady; two sons, Clarence Thomas and Dennis Brady, Jr.; one daughter, Earlyne Brady, all of Princess Anne, MD; three grandchildren, Tonya Waters, Sherelle Brady and Atoya Fletcher; four great grandchildren, two great great grandchildren; one sister, Elise Stewart of Charlotte, NC; one very special nephew, Wendell Brady; four godchildren, Janae Marshall, Janet Banks, Kim Banks and Stephen Wells; a special cousin, Brenda Foreman of Chester, PA; and a host of other nephews, nieces and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2015 at Mt. Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in Princess Anne with a viewing one hour prior. Bishop Weldon Johnson will be the Eulogist. A public viewing will also be held 2 to 6 p.m. Friday at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be held at Christ M.E. Cemetery in Pocomoke.

On November 15, 2015, God called one of his beautiful flowers home. Angela Rene Brinkley, the daughter of Charles Frank Brown, and the late Goldie E. Corbin-Palen was born on January 28, 1967 in Salisbury, Maryland.

Ann, as she was affectionately called, received her early education from Mount Vernon High School in Mt. Vernon, NY; a Bachelor’s of Science in Special Education at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore; and earned a Master’s in Education from Grand Canyon University. She was currently seeking her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Grand Canyon University. Angela was nominated in 2007 as teacher of the year at Tawes Vocational School, thereby placing her amongst the nominees for the State of Maryland, Teacher of the Year. She started her professional career in Somerset County, Maryland, and then went to Accomack County, Virginia. When a position became available she returned to Somerset County. She was a professional educator in Somerset County for 12 years.

She loved the Lord and was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church in Marion Station, Maryland.

Angela possessed a natural ability to inspire and motivate any and all individuals with whom she came into contact with especially her Washington High School students, faculty, and staff. Angela was dearly loved by her students and staff.

In 1988, Angela met Darryl Brinkley in whom she found the love of her life. They married in 1995, and raised their children together. Ann was an inspirational teacher, and a nurturing mother and grandmother and the best sister and aunt one could ever have.

Angela leaves behind to mourn and cherish her memory, her father, Charles Brown; her husband, Darryl Brinkley; six daughters, Kia Brown, Latoya Victor (Jonathan), Latoya, Sharie, Enjoli, and Stormi Brinkley; three sons, Marcus and Kevin Sturgis, and Derrick Gerald; a multitude of grandchildren including but not limited to the following, Kahmel, Avery, Kaylei, Kamryn, Christopher, Scott, Savion, Ahmydia, Sylise, Trinedy, Tae, Lexi, Marcus, Noah, and Layla; her sisters, Charlene Thomas (Jacques), Chalena, Charlie, Tina and Pam; one sister-in-law, Wanda; several aunts and uncles and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held 1pm Saturday, November 28, 2015 at Washington High School in Princess Anne with a viewing two hours prior. Reverend Cynthia Bonneville will be the Eulogist. A viewing will also be held 2 to 6 pm Friday at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be private.

Martha Lee Paige, 93 was born April 15, 1922, to the late Raleigh and Irene Paige, in Palmyra, North Carolina. She departed this life suddenly after a lengthy illness on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at McCready Health, in Crisfield, Maryland.

Martha was educated in the Somerset County Public School Systems. She lived and worked for several years on the Price Family Business Farm in Marion, Maryland. She later moved to Crisfield, Maryland, where she worked in the seafood industry at Milbourne’s Seafood Company. Due to an unforeseen illness and disability she left the workforce permanently.

Martha enjoyed family gatherings and was an avid bingo player. She loved children and was known as the “Neighborhood Mother” because she could often be found handing out treats, advice, and compliments.

Martha served as her mother’s caregiver until she became a resident of Tawes Nursing Home. However; she continued to faithfully nurture, visit, and care for her mother’s needs while visiting her daily, until her death.

Martha next joined the Adult Day Care Center in Somerset County where she enjoyed making crafts, playing a variety of games, art work, and most importantly to her, playing “bingo.” She was known as the “Bingo Queen.”

Due to an extended illness in 2007, Martha entered the Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Facility, wherein she continued to participate in the facility’s activities, and of course resume her play of bingo, collecting cups full of money. Another of Martha’s favorite past times was singing, as she could often be heard singing acapella for the staff and residents. She expressed her spirituality through singing, clapping, and listening to the spoken word during church services held at the facility.

Martha was a happy, loving, joy-filled, God fearing woman, who loved the Lord. She accepted Christ as her Savior over sixty years ago at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Crisfield, MD, where she served as an usher before her illnesses.

Martha leaves to cherish fond memories, two daughters, Mary Lee Paige of Crisfield, Maryland and Margaret Paige-Bacon of Princess Anne, Maryland; one son, Ronald Louis Paige of Crisfield, Maryland; one grandson, Marquette Paige (Latisha) of Ocean City, Maryland; two great granddaughters, Markayla and Justice Paige; and one great grandson, Honor Paige. In addition, one special nephew, Allen Paige of Salisbury, Maryland and two special nieces, Gloria Boone, of Norristown, Pennsylvania and Lucy Ames of Glen Burnie, Maryland. She also leaves a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Raleigh and Irene Paige, one daughter, Beverly R. Paige, three sisters, Mary E. Smith, Maggie Paige, and Lucy Miles Blue, and one son-in-law, Ellsworth Bacon, Sr.

A funeral service will be held 1 PM Saturday, November 28, 2015 at St. James United Methodist Church in Westover with a viewing one hour prior. Reverend Ronald Bell ,Sr. will be the Eulogist. Interment will be in Union Asbury Cemetery in Crisfield.

Verna Louise Corbin, 54, departed this life on Friday, October 30, 2015 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Born January 25, 1961, she was the daughter of Juanita Bailey and the late L. Elwood Jones, both of Venton, Maryland.

Verna was educated in the public schools of Somerset County. She was a 1979 graduate of Washington Senior High School. She was formerly employed at Perdue, Inc. and most recently as an Instructional Assistant for Somerset County Public Schools.

Verna attended St. Mark United Methodist Church in Oaksville where you could find her working in the kitchen whenever she was needed. She was a free spirited person who had a beautiful smile that would light up a room. She had a deep love for people especially for children. She loved to sew, bowl, decorate, play bingo and could make anything when she put her mine to it.

Verna was married to the love of her life, Reginald Corbin, Sr. for 29 years. From this union, four children were born.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Louis “Mickey” Jones and Gerry “Termite” Jones; one sister, Sharon Jones; and one niece Terra Leatherbury.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 7, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 528 Booth Street and Delaware Avenue in Salisbury with a viewing one hour prior. Reverend Elmer Davis will be the Eulogist and Reverend Ronald Bell will officiate. A viewing will also be held 1 to 6 PM Friday at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be in Oaksville Community Cemetery.

Roger Columbus Christopher Jr. departed this life on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at Coastal Hospice at the Lake. Roger was born on May 28, 1952 to the Mary E. Christopher and the late Roger C. Christopher Sr.

Roger completed high school at James M. Bennett in Salisbury, Maryland. He married his late wife, Bertha (Collins) Christopher a.k.a. “Squeaky” and to that union, three children were born. Roger enjoyed fishing with his family and friends. He also enjoyed going to the Delmar Drag Way.

For years, Roger Jr. and his late father, Roger Sr. owned and operated Roger and Son Trucking Company Inc. He also owned Roger’s Rhythm and Blues record store on the plaza in Salisbury, Maryland.

In addition to his mother, he leaves to cherish his memory: four sons, Roger W. Christopher, Brian L. Cotton (Tapeaka), Verron L. and Rodney C. Christopher; one daughter, La’ Tanya E. Christopher; two stepsons, Warren Corbin and Kenneth Bryant, Jr.; one stepdaughter, Stella Robinson; 28 grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one sister, Cynthia Polk; two uncles, Douglas J. King Sr. and Naaman King; his mother-in-law, Bessie Stevenson; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to his father, Roger was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Collins Christopher.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, October 17, 2015 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne, MD.

Marlyn Edward Holland, Sr., 87, of Marion Station went home to be with the lord on Monday, September 21, 2015 at Salisbury Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Marlyn was born on August 6, 1928 and was the son of the late Sidney Whittington, Sr. and Elnora Holland.

Marlyn was raised on “Branch” of Marion Station, Maryland and was always proud of that association. He was educated in the Somerset County School System. After graduating from Carter G. Woodson High School, Crisfield, Maryland he honorably served in the United States Army. When he returned from active duty he completed a three year program of studies at Maryland State College now UMES in Princess Anne, Maryland. He then went on to work for over 20 years at Campbell Soup Company and then on to Rubberset of Sherwin-Williams for over 20 years before retiring. As a life-long member of Mount Peer United Methodist Church he faithfully studied the Bible, shared his love for the Lord through fellowship and for over 40 years served as the church treasurer.

He leaves to cherish fond memories with his wife of 58 years, Bernice C. Holland; his son, Marlyn E. Holland, Jr. (Kathryn); his daughters, Catherine Holland, Frances Holland-Gonzalez and Katie Morris; his grandchildren, Robert A. Holland, India H. Johnson and April L. Timmons; two brothers, Sidney Whittington, Jr. (Beatrice) and Grover Whittington (Clara); one sister, Agnes Sutton-Brown and a host of nephews, nieces and other relatives.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Samuel and Arby Whittington

A Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, September 26, 2015 at Handy United Methodist Church in Marion Station with a viewing one hour prior. Pastor William Miles will be the Eulogist. Interment will be at Mt. Peer Cemetery in Marion Station.